March Photo A Day

Being 10 minutes away from the start of March, I thought now would be a good time to let you all know I am continuing on this journey!

Here is the March list from Chantelle of fatmumslim.com.au

Hooray!

I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am!
BzeeJ x

29th February - Something you're listening to

Woke up early-ish this morning to get a few household chores done before I headed into the city to meet Mick for lunch.

I threw a load of washing into the machine and made some breakfast while catching up with my favourite ladies online. 

While I was sitting and eating my breakfast, I heard the unmistakable sounds of our washing machine preparing for lift-off. 

Seriously, it's like it has counted down from T-minus 10, and is getting its engine ready to soar out of our laundry room and into outer space.

Of course, it never reaches that destination.

It invariably winds down, slowly hack, hack, hacking away as it shudders to a stop.

Then the dreaded beep, beep, beep, beep, beep... To let me know the easy part for me is over and now I have to hang out the damp, heavy clothes on the line... *sigh*

The sound I listened to this morning.
BzeeJ x

28th February - Money

Money in my wallet.

Apparently a green wallet helps you attract more money and keep it longer...

Bollocks I say!

Hope everyone is sleeping soundly!

BzeeJx

27th February - Something you ate

So I don't know if it was just me, though judging by the #febphotoaday tweets, I'm pretty sure it was. All I could think that would happen is that people would take a photo of a certain something in their toilet bowl....

It was simply because of the use of the word "ate". How can you take a photo of something that has already been eaten??? Well, maybe I'm gross and that's where my mind immediately went...

Don't worry, this photo is nothing to do with toilets and their contents! I'm not that disgusting!

It's my lunch. Leftover Chinese chicken fried rice from last night's dinner with Rose and French vanilla tea.

A before I eat and after I've finished eating double photo.

Because i ate lunch so late, I am now not hungry for dinner.

Peace!
BzeeJ x

26th February - Night

It always seems to be the way.

The first day that I have been motivated to take a photo and blog early, the theme is "Night"!

After a few adjustments in settings to take a stars in the sky photo, which really didn't work out, a multitude of not-so-awesome attempts of taking photos of light trails (car headlights as they drive past), and a bloke hanging out his window laughing at me as he drove past, almost crashing into a parked car down the street, I finally gave up and headed back inside.

To take a photo of my bed... And a lamp, which is on. Just so you know it's night time.

Almost ready for bed,

Goodnight folks!
BzeeJ x

25th February - Green

Green bags. They are literally everywhere now. Recycling at it's finest. Or is it? I swear the green bags in my house breed faster than rabbits. 

But I guess if it means I use less plastic bags, it must be good... Right?

Stay beautiful,

BzeeJ x

24th February - Inside your bathroom cabinet

Messy bathroom cabinet.

Nothing witty or funny to say.

Tired.

Night,

BzeeJ

23rd February - Your shoes

I have 8 pairs of shoes.

6 of which sit near the front door for regular use.

My 7th pair are what I call my "Europe Shoes". I bought them specifically for our travels overseas. They have been worn a few times since, much to the dismay of a friend of mine because they "match" my husband's "Europe Shoes", which he wears casually now.

My 8th pair are black heels. For those special occasions. Or when I feel like my ankles are too bearable and need some pain to get me feeling again. Yeah...

Apparently at my age, I *should* own anywhere between 40-60 pairs of shoes... I'm pretty sure this makes me a poor excuse for a woman. 

How many shoes do you own?

BzeeJ x

22nd February - Where you work

Or don't work in my case...

Yep! You read correctly.

I. Do. Not. Work.

However, I do do look for jobs. I just never get any responses... Or none that will lead me to being hired at any rate.

I also have a university degree that is currently worthless... Or should I say currently putting me in debt by about $20k and will probably never be paid off. Because you see, even if I find a job, my qualifications ensure that I won't earn over the threshold to have to pay the government back for my HECS (or is it HELP now?) debt. Go figure.

At least I try to keep the house relatively clean to keep me busy so I don't go insane. And also to show my husband that I am forever grateful that he is able to look after me as well as himself.

Plus I don't want anyone to judge me thinking that all I do all day is sit on the computer playing games or watching movies especially seeing as how I don't even have any children to entertain.

Feel free to call me a loser. Or lazy. Or pathetic. It's nothing I haven't heard before.

Work. Pah!
Loser.
BzeeJ x

21st February - A favourite photo of you

As can be expected, I have chosen a photograph of me on my wedding day (almost 2 years ago), as this was a day filled with all my hopes and dreams, love from my family and friends and bringing people together to watch me marry my best friend. Everything exceeded my expectations.

The other reason I chose a photo from this day is because I was made to feel like a million dollars. Make up professionally applied, hair curled and pinned just so and a dress that I wish I could wear every day. Thankfully my wedding day shoes have been incorporated into my casual shoes rotation!

This photo represents the me, who had a thousand butterflies beating their wings in my tummy, but was calm enough to know that I was about to embark on one of the best journeys of my life. I remember staring out that window in the Marriott Hotel, looking at the grey, drizzly clouds and realised that this was the day that I would always remember. Not because of the rain on our outdoor ceremony. Not the flowers, the suits, the dresses, the music. Not even because (almost) everyone who is important to me was there. But because I knew when I reached the end of that tree-lined aisle, he would be standing there, smiling and waiting patiently for me as always. Ready to declare his love to me to the entire world, just as he promised in his proposal. 

This is my favourite photo of me. Because all my dreams were about to come true.

Kisses,

BzeeJ x

20th February - Handwriting

I don't really like my handwriting. I think it looks messy, untidy and not entirely uniform. It changes over time too. Size, slant, scrawl.... Mostly I print, but in a rush I will use my own brand of cursive.

Today's photo is my To-Do List. It was a gift for me from my sister in law and her little family. I absolutely love it.

I live my life making lists. Any time I want to get anything done, I have to write it down. Mick has tried to show me the ways of using my Android phone to make lists and tick them off, but I can't get into the swing of it. I think for me, a list is something personal. A group of small goals to achieve throughout your day/week/month/year/lifetime. And that takes care and special attention to details in order for me to succeed.

Seeing the words brought to life by my own hand and pen makes it seem like I'm already halfway there to reaching my aims.

In the words printed on my personalised note pad, "I have faith in my ability to manifest my desires and to achieve my dreams". Of course, my list of chores really has nothing to do with desires and dreams, but the possibilities of what I can include in my lists are endless.

Ooh! I just figured out another item to add to my list... Blog today's photo - Tick!
BzeeJ x

19th February - Something you hate to do

Oh my, this list could be endless!

I decided to settle for something I basically do everyday, BECAUSE I have to do it everyday....

...Washing the dishes.

It's boring. It's monotonous. It's a pain in the butt. And I seem to be the only person who regularly does it. Not complaining, just over it.

Washing the dishes was one of my chores when I lived in my parents' house. From the age of 8, it was my nightly duty to wash, rinse and place the dishes in the drying rack. Every night after dinner, the same thing. Over and over again.

18 years later and I am still doing it. Although I have added another element, putting the dry dishes away! I also changed it from nightly to daily. I'm rebellious like that.

After dinner is my relaxing time. The dinner plates are rinsed enough to sit on the bench for the night and then the next day is when I get down to actually doing them. Don't shoot me down! I know it can attract ants and cockroaches! But whatever.

So many people have told me to just get a dishwasher. Though really, I've never had one, so I can hardly miss it. Plus paying for the electricity to run it, the latest and greatest dishwasher cleaners and "diamond shine glass cleaners" with "easy dry, no spot, new-fandangled, liquid fan technology!" Oh and also the fact that we rent.

Aside from that, all I can think of is that no matter how easy it is to load the dishwasher and unpack the dishwasher, it will still be a chore that I will learn to hate and still be the only person to do it.

Onto another something I hate to do - Mow the lawn! I worked this out pretty early. Mick will mow the lawn once every few months and I will do the dishes. Every day. I wonder who got the better deal in all this??

What chore do you hate?
BzeeJ x

18th February - Drink

Seeing as I've given up alcohol for the year, except for imbibing on a wine tour for a friend's 30th birthday, and a glass of wine for my mother-in-law's birthday... AND another glass on Valentines Day... Hmm... Okay so I'm not exactly the "stick to your guns" kind of person....

Well seeing as how I'm "endeavouring" to give up alcohol for this year, my drink of choice lately has been water. Yup! Plain, old, boring water.

Having said that, it is the best thing to keep me hydrated especially before and after exercise. There's nothing better than a cold drink of water after you've sweated your butt off.

Therefore, my photo of the day is water. I've jazzed it up a bit... Oooh look! I'm pouring it into a pretty glass! Eh? Eh?

Alright, fine. I know I'm boring. You don't have to keep banging on about it!

Enjoy your alcoholic beverages on this fine Saturday night!
BzeeJ x

17th February - Time

I understand there is much debate about time. Specifically, daylight savings time (DST).

Being born in Mackay, I heard much debate about why Queensland should not adopt daylight savings. And to me it makes sense. Up there (and further North Queensland) it is basically Summer all year round. Why add an extra hour of sunlight exposure when we are all trying to escape the heat of it as it is? 

However, heading to South East Queensland (SEQ) to live in Gympie and now Brisbane, it's become more apparent to me why some Queenslanders want to switch to DST. 

Also, just as an aside, how the heck can Adelaide be 30 minutes ahead of us when the sun has to travel almost half the country from the East coast to reach it? 

Thoughts?
BzeeJ x

16th February - Something New

So, I failed to take a photo today.

I seriously could not think of anything that was new in my life!

After going for a run tonight, I acquired a new injury. Previously my ankles, calves and shins were the main pain culprits, but then came something new. Sharp, stabbing pain in my knee. Ouch. What was funny is that it hurt more to walk on it than jog. So jog I did.

I was planning on taking a photo of my knee, but you can't see anything - it's internal pain you see.

Anyway. I might just take a photo of my knee tomorrow to add to this post.

I am le tired. This post makes no sense, but I am continuing to write regardless <--- See what I wrote there? It's not "irregardless" because the double negative negates itself, rendering the comment useless!!

Goodnight. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite,
BzeeJ x

15th February - Phone

Ahhh the telephone. 

What started out as a miraculous invention to help people get in contact without having to leave their homes turned into a quaint piece of equipment, which everyone took for granted. Then came the mobile phone. Nowadays, phones have turned into a status symbol - Do you use an iPhone or an Android? What are the camera features? How much internet downloads do you have on your plan? The specs on my phone are better than your laptop! Etc.

But what of the lowly house phone? Or answering machine?

A friend came over one day to do an odd job for us when our house phone started ringing. As I answered it (pretty sure it was a telemarketer on the other end) I heard him make a remark, "Who owns a home phone these days?" As I hung up, he said, "What are you, 50 years old or something? My parents are the only people I know to still own a home phone". I felt embarrassed, but then I remembered why I have it - for my family to make cheaper calls to me from long distances mainly. 

I used my house phone today to make a call. For the first time in months. I always seem to use my mobile. Anyway, Mick's phone is frazzled from getting wet on our run the other day, so it is sitting in a bowl of rice - trying to dry out. He popped down to the shops to get a few things for tonight's dinner and I realised we'd be having another mouth to feed. So I looked up the number to the local shopping centre and called. From my house phone. Upon hearing the voice at the other end, I explained my situation - Husband is in your shop and has no phone on him. What a strange concept these days. The lady was very helpful and had me hold the line while she paged Mick over the loud speakers. I was able to deliver my message to him even though, in this day and age, he was mobile-less. 

Hooray for outdated, landline technology!

Enjoy the rest of your night!

BzeeJ x

14th February - Heart

Oh boy! I wonder if it was actually a coincidence that today's photo has something to do with Valentine's Day??? No? Not a coincidence? You don't say!

Hubby and I don't really do Valentine's day. It's not that we're against it, well at least I'm not, I just don't like taking a part in the whole; Buy! Consume! Publicly display your love! One. Day. A. Year. thing. I think it's wasteful. Another "Hallmark Holiday" to spend money on your loved ones rather than mark the special occasion just by being there. With them. In the moment.

As an acknowledgement of today, I made him these hearts just as a simple gesture of my affection for him. Made from an old dress and a polo shirt I used to wear. Recycling at it's finest!

 

It's nice to recognise Valentine's day as a reminder to appreciate your partner and tell him/her you love them. However, I tell my husband, "I love you" every day.... at least 3 times. This may be considered too much by some and not enough by others, but it works for us.

Romance for me is not something that should only be shown on a significant date once a year. Though I know romance can be interpreted as different things to different people.

For some, it is about receiving chocolates and flowers and a random soft toy. For others, jewellery an expensive dinner out with French wine is their ideal. There are those who enjoy exciting adventures - hot air balloon rides, white water rafting and travelling the globe. And then there are people like me, who enjoy lounging on the couch watching a DVD, eating take away and maybe going for a drive to Baskin Robbins for dessert. May I add that hubby and I don't necessarily have to be sitting on the same couch let alone cuddling for me to feel the love.

Don't get me wrong, I love chocolates and jewellery and flowers and adventure as much as the next person, and I get my fair share (and then some!) of these things from my husband. It's just that most of the time, him remembering to take the rubbish out on bin night is more meaningful to me than flowers, which look really pretty, but will die in a few days and make me feel bad for throwing them out. Or chocolates, which taste so good, but make me feel guilty about indulging too much. He is showing me that he is dedicated to keeping his promise of completing his chore each week. Contributing to maintaining the home we have created together because he knows we are a partnership.

He is loyal and steadfast. He is my rock, who keeps me grounded when I fly too far from reality.
He is my Real Love.

Okay, so I got a bit sappy there at the end. I can't help it! I just love that man so much!!

What are your thoughts on Valentine's day?
BzeeJ x

13th February - Blue

It seems the Football season is about to begin... How do I know? Dreamteamia is in the air again and all the males in my life have caught it. Especially my Husband.

But with Dreamteamia comes football... Or is it the other way around? I think it's kind of a chicken and egg argument...

Anyway, all these Dreamteamics have stirred me with anticipation about football returning and especially about watching my team, the Brisbane Lions, giving it a red hot go this year.

I'm so excited about seeing all the young blokes getting out there and giving it their all. And all the experienced players teaching the young gun's how to get it done. 

Going down to the local footy club to catch up with some of the Lion's players ignited the passion I have for this game and those infected with Dreamteamia are keeping the fires burning.... For now. 

I'm sure it will soon get old when I hear the strangled cries from grown men; 

"I HATE Dreamteam!"

"Grrrr! Get the BALL Pendlebury!"

"Kick it to yourself!"

"How big's your Grahame Johncock?"

"DON'T KEEP HANDBALLING! KICK IT!!"

"Screw you Umpire! That was a free kick to my captain!"

"Rock Lobster!" 

"PAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAVVVLLIIIIIIIIIIIIICCCHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"

"My backs are impenetrable!"

"Everyone loves Big Cox!"

"Jaaackkkkkkkkkiiiiieeeeeeeee!!!!!!!"

"Wow! This Richmond vs Port Adelaide game rocks!" o.O

"Bartel's gone quiet! Shit! I just saw him on the screen a minute ago!"

"Blah, blah, blah Chris Judd"

"Do you STILL have Jarred Brennan in your team?"

And so on and so forth...

Because I am about to become a Dreamteam widow, and I love watching the footy, my photo of the day is one of the colours of my team - Maroon, Blue and Gold.

GO LIONS!
BzeeJ x

12th February - Inside your closet

I've been flicking through the #Febphotoaday tweets on twitter. I like to get an idea of what other people have done for their photo and I guess I'm also a bit voyeuristic in my wanting to see how other people live, what they get up to and so forth.

It's sad, but I have a massive case of closet envy! I will happily admit that I am quite jealous of those people with OCD who have their pristine wardrobes organised in colours and patterns and styles, price tags and brands/labels.

My closet is not organised. It is messy. Full of boxes, bags and dress up clothing and props from the many different theme parties we've attended. I do not have brand label clothing. My dresses (apart from my wedding dress) do not cost more than $90 each. I like colour, but a lot of my clothing is black. The clothes on my shelves are not folded. They are crammed into the small space after each load of washing is taken off the line. I am proud that the clean clothes even make it this far instead of making their home on my bedroom floor!

You will not see the mess in my photo for today. I am too embarrassed to bare all of my "skeletons" for the world to see. Here are some of my clothes on hangers, the ones on which I will allow you to judge me...

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
BzeeJ x

11th February - Makes you happy

This one was pretty hard for me to decide on. There are quite a lot of things that make me happy; family, friends, love, bed, sunshine, wedding rings, clouds, birds, trees, wedding photos, any number of gifts I have received, reading a good book/magazine, my favourite outfit/shoes/handbag, a cup of tea, a good meal - dessert especially....

I began the day in a rather foul mood. I was tired and grumpy and nothing was going right. Mick was laying on our bed, saw me pouting and asked me what was wrong. I began whining about nothing in particular and he opened his arms telling me to snuggle in for a hug.

As I lay there in his arms, we chatted, giggled and laughed about nothing. It was warm and comforting and just what I needed to brighten up my day.

So I'd like to say thank you to my wonderful husband for being patient, kind and understanding to my needs. I love you and cuddles from you definitely make me happy :)

What makes you happy?
BzeeJ x

10th February - Self portrait

Ugh.

Do I have to???

*Dread*

*Thinking of ways to take a self portrait other than showing my face*

Cartoon drawing of me? No.

Eyes only? No.

*Feel like a cop out*

Can't be bothered with make up.

Hair in desperate need of colouring.

*Click* No!

*Click* Double no!

*Click* Meh.

*Click* Best of a bad bunch.

*EDITING*

*More editing*

*Even more editing*

*Ghost face*

Redness gone? *Check*

Gigantic pores reduced? *Check*

Volcanoes on lower half of face basically eliminated? *Check*

Uneven skin tone smoothed out? *Check*

No double chin? *Check*

*Upload*

*Sigh*

What is wrong with me? Why was this such a big deal? Everyone knows what I look like. Nobody cares that much. Except me. Most of the time I feel like I have gotten over my issues, then I always let the negatives back in. I know I'm not the most attractive person, but I'm not ugly either. As a society, we tend to focus a lot on the outward beauty of people, but I think inner beauty is more important.

How you treat people.
Giving.
Loving.
Helpful.
Considerate.
Conscientious.
Loyal.
Friendly.
Funny.
Caring.
Accepting.

What's beautiful about you?

Be happy!
BzeeJ x

9th February - Front door

It seems quite fitting that day 9 has something to do with my house when this is the start of the 9th year I've lived here.

My front door has seen many friends, housemates and family members pass by it, as well as plenty of door to door sales people, Jehovah's Witnesses and parcel delivery people knocking on the solid timber to alert me to their presence, wanted or not...

It's amazing how almost every day for the last 8 years, this door has been the portal from the outside world to the comfort of my cosy home and it took this challenge for me to really appreciate its steadfastness over time.

Is there anything in your life that you take for granted?

Maybe you can change that,

BzeeJ x

8th February - Sun

Today is my little brother's birthday. I say little, but really he was taller than me by the time he turned 15. So what I should technically say is that he is my younger brother, but I find that it seems to imply I have more than one sibling. I don't. Well, maybe "technically" I do, but I didn't watch them grow, discover, learn, annoy, laugh, play, hurt and love. I've never met them - and that's a whole different story!

Gavin is now 22, engaged and living in Townsville. I haven't seen him in person since my wedding day... Saturday, 6th March, 2010. It's been nearly 2 years without a hug from one of my favourite people in the world. This makes me sad. I miss him terribly, but feel happy in the knowledge that he is living his life the way he wants to.

It's strange to say it out loud, (or blog it for the public to read)... However, I know there is more than just distance separating us. It is our life choices, experiences and way of dealing with the hurt. Nobody reacts in exactly the same way to circumstances even if we were brought up in the same home, in the same town, with the same parents, same expectations, same values, same morals, same surname. I sometimes wish we were the same - selfishly I just want to hang out with my brother. In reality I know that can't happen. I do, however, have hope that our differences will bring us together again. Like magnets pulling at each other from opposite poles. Maybe. One day...

One of my fondest memories of growing up with my brother is laying on the trampoline in the backyard in the evening, just as the sun began its decent over the horizon, watching the flocks of birds fly in "V"s across the purpling sky. We'd count and laugh and bicker over who had counted correctly (me, of course!) before heading inside for dinner.

This post and picture is dedicated to the Birthday Boy.

So Happy Birthday Gavin, my brother. My distant friend. I love you. I miss you. And I hope all you wish for comes true for you this year.

Love,
BzeeJ x

7th February - Button

I have a small problem... Okay so it's not so much a problem, but an obsession.

I have a handbag addiction. There, I said it.

This may not come as much of a surprise to all of you, especially Mick, because he became aware of my weakness pretty much as soon as we started dating. The reason I know this, is because each time we went shopping, he would casually place himself between me and the bag shops we waked past. Subtle.

I can hear you thinking, 'What does any of this have to do with "Buttons"?' Well, I am glad you asked.

In 2007, I came across a store called, M!MCO. It's an Australian brand and has some to-die-for merchandise. While browsing the shelves, I came across a snow and silver "Button Bag". I fell in love.
Now came the hard part... Convincing Mick to buy it for me. So I casually let it slip that I found a gorgeous, absolutely must have handbag in Queens Plaza. Immediately, reg flags started popping up in his mind and I could tell that he was very hesitant to encourage this behaviour he had been trying to stifle over the years.

As a bargaining chip, I told him, "This is the bag to end all bags"...

...He gave it to me for Christmas that year.

Staying true to my word, I have mainly bought clutches and wallets since, with the exception of 2 bags whilst we were shopping in Rome and Athens.

I love my M!MCO Snow and Silver Button Bag, it's a little worse for wear, but it's all mine.

What's your obsession?

BzeeJ x

When Scones fail...

Without being overly mean, I can honestly say these are the worst Scones I have EVER made! But perhaps the best Rock Cakes!

I followed my fail proof recipe from Taste.com for Basic Scones. They ALWAYS turn out perfectly... Well not today. I made the best dough ever this morning and thought, "These may be the greatest Scones of all time!!" How sadly mistaken was I....

The only thing I can tell that I did differently to all my other times of cooking this recipe, is that I allowed the oven to heat up longer than normal at a higher temperature so that it would be the optimum temperature when the scone dough made it in there. BIG MISTAKE!*

Before they came out of the oven, I was planning on taking them to Mick's work as a kind of an introduction of me to his new workmates and bosses. NOT ANY MORE! There is no way I am allowing myself to be represented by these flat, crusty, crumbly and hard circles of almighty doom. I do not want to be associated with them at all!

I guess that I can learn from my over heating the oven mistake and move on to imagining perfectly risen, warm, delicious, melt in your mouth, light and fluffy morsels of pure awesomeness.... Bliss.

Happy baking!
BzeeJ x

*Note to self - follow recipes to the letter. Always. You are not equipped with enough knowledge in the art of baking!

6th February - Dinner

Another late blog post...

Backing up my 8km walk from yesterday, Mick (my husband) and I started week 1 of the couch to 5 km tonight. Was tougher than I expected, but I did it and only a couple of tears were shed at the end!

My legs are in a world of pain right now, as well as feeling like jelly.

Tonight's photo is, of course, my dinner. Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry.

Was quite tasty if I do say so myself.

I am now heading to bed, prepared for a big day tomorrow,
BzeeJ x

5th February - 10am

10am... On a Sunday... Seriously?

Nah, just joking. I was awake and ready for the day by 8:30 am, though I had a pretty bad headache forming.

At 10am, I moseyed on outside to see, and feel, the sun belting down. I snapped a quick picture and then looked at "The List" to check I had the theme right for today... Only to read that "Sun" is the theme for Wednesday *facepalm*

So, went into my lounge room to get the stock standard picture of 10am on our funky clock. It was an engagement gift given to us by my sister in law and I love it.

Sorry again for the late Blog post. 8km walk/jog this afternoon plus getting a little bit sunburnt yesterday (and today...) has completely wiped me out and I'm heading to bed VERY soon.

Night all,

BzeeJ x

4th February - A stranger

I'd just like to preface this post with the fact that I am not some crazy, stalker lady out to steal anyone's babies.

Right, now you all know that, I can talk about how freaking cute today's subject is!!

Sitting at the next table over at lunch was a mother with her little girl. Mick leaned over to tell me that this little baby kept looking at us. So naturally, I looked back. I smiled at her with not much reaction apart from continual staring in our general direction, which is when I decided to snap the picture for today. 

After that, she ate some food. Well, that's when her entire demeanour changed from contemplative to excitedly  interactive. Her hands and arms were flailing around as she fed herself a biscuit  and she kept kicking her tiny legs with glee. Smiles were being beamed around the room, left right and centre. Scrunching her little nose up to show off her gummy grin. She was so sweet.

As we were leaving the cafe, Mick felt the need to explain to the mother how enthralled I was with her little daughter and how cute we think she is. The Mum had a bit of a chuckle and didn't seem too creeped out by us. Thankfully, she didn't call the police or tell us to get away from her child in a scared, protective mother voice either. 

Okay, so what's my creepiness factor now???

BzeeJ x

3rd February - Hands

I'd like to thank the people who were involved in the making of today's photo;
* My friends, some of whose suggestions I artfully dodged,
* Some tweeps, who provided me with a little bit of inspiration, and
* My awesome, patient-to-a-certain-extent husband.

I had a vision of what I wanted, unfortunately vision does not manifest without diligent execution. After about 10 minutes, 17 "failed" attempts, an exasperated husband and a frustrated artist (me), I finally admitted defeat on perfection and chose the best photo that was available.

Here's the finished product.

*Mwah*
BzeeJ x

Can't Sleep...........

*sigh* I wish I could sleep like a normal person.

You know, get up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day, then do what is needed to be done - work, clean, interact, exercise, eat. After that point, it's time to relax and start feeling tired, then take yourself off to bed, head on the pillow, eyes closed, dream a little dream in the world of Nod.

It all seems so simple! And yet, here I am at 1:15am and sleep still eludes me.

Before you all jump on me and tell me your quick fix remedies for blissful sleep, please be aware that I have tried the following with pretty much zero% consistent success rate: 

Herbal teas, Relaxing music, Switching the lights off and avoiding computers/tv/technology 30 minutes - 1 hour before I plan on sleeping, Warm shower with Lavender body wash, Massage, Visualisation, Sex, No eating after 7pm, Fan on, Fan off, Sheets on, Sheets off, Warm milk and honey, Breathing techniques, Earplugs, Face mask, Changed mattress, Changed pillows, Natural sleep "medication" <-- Some of these actually worked, but too well - slept the entire next day and night as well :/

I have tried all of these things in multiple different situations, in conjunction with each other as well as independently. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't. I think I am controlled by the moon, or the tide, or some other crazy astrological explanation; though I am yet to find a common link or pattern to my sleeplessness.

Without getting too narky, please nobody make the comment, "You need to get as much sleep in as you can now before children come along!" I believe you. Kids are hard work and have crazy sleeping patterns as well. Having children is your choice. Not having children at this point in my life is my choice. I will complain about child-free, sleepless nights all I like, thank you very much. It's as much out of my control as your screaming baby.

Sleep tight

BzeeJ x

2nd February - Words

I found todays photo a little bit difficult. I mean, we are surrounded by words constantly throughout each and every day, but to find words that can be photographed in an interesting way was definitely a challenge.

I cheated a bit by taking more than one photo, but I'm sure it's not really against the rules...

Some of my DVD collection, a recipe for Lemon Meringue Pie, Words from the Jodie Picoult book I'm currently reading and some of my books in a bookcase.

BzeeJ x

1st February - Your view today

So I did some clothes washing today... What's that? Oh yeah! The sun finally made an appearance this Summer! As I was saying, I went to hang out a couple of loads of washing and I was amazed at how nice my backyard is. Okay, maybe not so much, but I love the greenery and the blue sky with fluffy, white clouds and the sun actually shining enough to make shadows!!

After completing some housework, and because the temperature seemed cooler outside, I decided to sit on the back patio with my laptop. So my view today was my calm, quiet, overgrown backyard. Lovely.

Hooray! Day 1 - COMPLETE!

BzeeJ x